3d lines for video animation!

I'm working on a simple animation in style of those mtv show titles. What i have in mind are some animated silhouettes of people in the foreground and a freaky background (done in after effects and photoshop). I want to spice it up a little with some 3d lines/stripes or whatever objects that come across those silhouettes (i want some 3 dimensional interaction, they should round those silhouettes). I can't really think of some reference (maybe those bright shining flying elements that turned out to be nerve signals in the last lexus commercial).
I'm familiar with 3dsmax but i just don't know how to create such things the easiest way. (plugin?) Is 3dsmax the software of choice? any help appreciated!